May 9: Europe Day

First, to clear up all the confusion, there are two accepted dates for Europe Day. The Counsel of Europe celebrates Europe Day on May 5, the anniversary of their founding in 1949. The European Union, on the other hand, holds their celebration on May 9, in recognition of the Schuman Declaration, passed on May 9, 1950.

These celebrations are part of the post World War II goal of increasing friendship between the nations of Europe and preventing another war by creating a “supranational community.”

The holiday is celebrated frequently by parades and other public gatherings.

“Praise the Lord, all you nations;
extol him, all you peoples.
For great is his love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.